Should we be this enamored by crime?
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Updated 3 months ago,January 15, 2025
Viewers love a good dose of true crime.
The reasons for the popularity of the unconventional genre are pretty obvious.
Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story / Netflix
In most instances, the criminal is apprehended, and victims finally get to start the difficult healing process.
This is probably why Netflixs biographical crime anthology series,Monster, was picked up for a second season.
Season 2,The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, hit the streaming service in 2024.
As a result, one cant help but wonder if true crime shows are exploiting real-life situations for entertainment.
But things get super awkward when the person/s in question might be the true victims.
The first trial was dismissed as the jury could not reach a verdict.
During the second trial, all claims of sexual abuse were banned from the court by the judge.
Erik Menendez personally denounced the show for its inaccuracies and its portrayal of his brother.
The Menendez brothers themselves are reportedly aware of their renewed notoriety that came after the Netflix series was released.
Whether the attention helps their appeals process or re-traumatizes them remains an open question.
The public also plays a role in the success of exploitative series.
But dramatizing real-life events doesnt have to be completely problematic.
Responsible storytelling starts with consulting those involved (when possible) and handling their stories with care.
